The quick actions of people strolling on Rarangi Beach, 22km northeast of Blenheim, saved the life of a pigmy sperm whale.
The whale was spotted about 7.30 pm on Thursday struggling in shallow water and assisted back into the sea by a local couple and a Blenheim man who found it.
Fish and Game field officer Dave Oberdries, who arrived after phone calls for help, swam out to direct the whale, which had become disoriented and was swimming parallel with the beach.
Department of Conservation spokesman Colin Davis said that at 6 am yesterday DoC flew along the coast from the Awatere River mouth to Port Underwood to ensure the whale got away safely.
No evidence of any whales was seen.
- NZPA
Strollers save whale
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